Columbia Complex Fire 20% Contained

DAYTON, Wash.- The Columbia County Complex fire has been reduced in size and a community meeting is planned for 7:00 Monday night in Dayton.

The fire is now estimated at 64,000 acres and 20% contained, but the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the area, putting crews on high alert tonight.

Higher temperatures and lower humidity are expected, which could lead to more active fire behavior tonight. However, better weather is expected in the next few days, which is expected to aid progress.

The DC-10 tanker the state brought in isn't in the air again because officials say it's not needed, and with new containment numbers, more progress is still expected.

"They continue to be happy with the progress they're making. They appreciate the fact that winds have not picked up. You know, things could change later in the day, things could certainly change tomorrow, that's one of the reasons why they're trying to make as much progress with the building of lines today as they can," said Mark Morrow, a Department of Natural Resources representative.

A community meeting is scheduled for 7:00 Monday night at the Seneca Activity Center in Dayton. Community members will be able to ask questions and get the most recent information at the meeting, including the most recent road openings.

New parts of North Touchet Road and Wolf Fork Road were opened earlier today.